Abstract: A foldable support may include a top support and a bottom support. At least one hinged connection may connect the top support to the bottom support. The hinged connection may move the top support relative to the bottom support.

Abstract: A stretching device includes a heel platform sized and shaped to support a heel of a foot of a person thereon. The stretching device also includes a ball platform sized and shaped to support a ball of a foot of a person thereon. The ball platform is angularly offset relative to the heel platform. The stretching device includes one or more connection members connecting the heel platform to the ball platform. The stretching device includes an extension slot connected to the ball platform. The stretching device includes a stretching device extension. The stretching device extension includes an extension platform arranged coplanar with the ball platform. The stretching device extension includes an extension insert arranged within and selectively removable from the extension slot.

Abstract: A method of exercising includes positioning a foot of a user onto a pedal of an exercise device. The pedal is pivotably connected to a pair of supports forming a triangular base and has a neutral position relative to a pivot axis of the device. The method includes applying a first force to the pedal to rotate the pedal about the pivot axis in a first direction, toward a first support. The method includes resisting movement of the pedal toward the first support with a resistance mechanism of the device. The method includes applying a second force to the pedal to rotate the pedal about the pivot axis in a second direction, opposite the first direction, toward a second support and away from the first support. The method includes resisting movement of the pedal toward the second support with the resistance mechanism of the device.

Abstract: A method for generating a rebounding motion between a person and a stationary surface comprising the steps of providing a rebounding device that includes a front member, a rear member, and a spring mechanism positioned between the front member and the rear member for allowing the front member and rear member to move toward and away from one another. The method further includes the steps of positioning the rear member against the stationary surface and the front member adjacent to an upper body of the person and the stationary surface, and applying pressure to the rebounding device through the upper body such that the upper body moves toward from the stationary surface while a lower body of the person remains in place.

Abstract: An athletic training apparatus for use to facilitate a stretch of a hamstring muscle of a user in a supine position is provided. The training apparatus helps to maintain a neutral spine of the user and prevent posterior pelvic tilt during the stretch. The athletic training apparatus includes a strap having a first end portion with a loop designed to engage the user's foot and a second end portion designed to engage the user's hand, and a strut having a first end slidably mounted to the strap and a second end designed to contact the user's hip region. A pulling force applied to the second end portion of the strap permits the loop of the strap to raise the foot to a generally upright position, thereby stretching the user's hamstring muscle.

Abstract: A rebounding device includes a front member, a rear member, and a spring mechanism positioned between the front member and the rear member for allowing the front member and rear member to move toward and away from one another.

Abstract: A structure including left and right footplates and weight shafts provided at left and right sides in a blood circulation exercise interlocking device, providing a pelvic limb blood circulation ankle interlocking device comprising a vertical supporter configured at the center of a lower plate of a main body in a vertical direction, left and right auxiliary vertical supporters configured to be parallel in a vertical direction at left and right sides of the vertical supporter, rotary shafts configured at the same position as the left and right auxiliary vertical supporters in a horizontal direction of the vertical supporter, left and right rotary bars configured at left and right sides of the rotary shaft to be coupled with a rotating device, weights made of heavy metals at the upper ends of the left and right rotary bars, and left and right footplates configured at left and right rotation lower ends.

Abstract: A hip traction device, system, and associated methods are disclosed. Such a device may include a base having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide coupled to the base, a carrier configured to move along the guide upon receiving a force from a tensioner to move the carrier toward the distal end of the base, causing a leg to be put in tension, and a single body coupling mechanism either removably attachable or permanently attached to the carrier and configured to securely attach to a lower portion of a leg, such that the portion of the leg moves with the carrier during operation of the tensioner.

Abstract: A hip traction device and associated methods is disclosed. Such a device may include a base having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide coupled to the base, a carrier configured to move along the guide, a tensioner coupled to the base and configured to provide a force to the carrier to move the carrier toward the distal end of the base, causing a leg to be put in tension, and a single body coupling mechanism being removably attached to the carrier and being configured to securely attach to a lower portion of a leg when the body coupling mechanism is detached from the carrier.

Abstract: An exercise machine including a support frame having a handle structure affixed to a base structure is described. The handle structure can provide hand support for a user using the machine. The base structure can provide floor support for the machine. One or more resilient pedaling assemblies may be pivotably coupled with the base structure to guide exercising movements of the user. Each resilient pedaling assembly may comprise an elastic element to provide a torsion force, a foot pad for resting a corresponding foot of the user and pivot assemblies rotatably engaged with the elastic element and the foot pad. Movement of the foot pad may cause deformation of the elastic element via the pivot assemblies. The deformation can induce the torsion force from the elastic element to provide reciprocal foot pedaling effects to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for performing foot and ankle exercises as part of a strengthening or rehabilitation program includes a foot platform positioned between an upper horizontal bar connected through a vertical assembly to a base frame adapted to sit in a stable position on a floor. The foot platform has an upper side to receive the user's foot and a lower side that pivotably engages through a fixed ball joint with the base frame to allow the user of the apparatus to exercise his or her ankle in all six movement directions without moving the leg. Resistance bands connect the foot platform to various points on the apparatus to provide a mechanism for resistance during exercise. The apparatus may be associated with a sensor on the foot platform that senses the position or movement of the foot in use and produces data regarding the exercise that is communicated to the user.

Abstract: A wheel chair includes two pedals, two transmission devices, two clutch members and two control units. Each transmission device includes a driving unit, a clutch unit and a rear wheel driving unit. Each of the clutch units includes an intermediate disk and a driving disk which is co-rotatably connected with the intermediate disk. Each of the rear wheel driving units is connected between the rear wheel and the intermediate disk. Each clutch device includes a shifter which controls the clutch disk to be disengaged from the intermediate disk. The control units each control the clutch disk to be engaged with the intermediate disk so as to connect the rear wheels with the force from the driving units so as to rotate the patient's legs counter clockwise.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a base, support and resistive band to provide consumers a method for conditioning, preventing or rehabilitating injuries from running, sports and fitness activities.

Abstract: A workout device with a foot-oriented elliptical loop is provided and bilaterally equipped with a transmission rod, a first link rod, a driving rod, a second link rod, a swing arm, and a supporting rod. The transmission portions are pivotally coupled to cranks to enable the cranks to undergo revolution. The supporting rods each have a supporting portion to support a user's feet. The aforesaid rods interact with each other. The supporting portions of the supporting rods move along a closed elliptical loop with segmental junctions spaced apart by a relatively short distance, such that the user's treading process is prevented from undergoing abrupt descents, unsmooth transitions, and thus jolts.

Abstract: A method of taking a sliding exercise, which is taken on a training machine and the training machine has two pedals, includes the steps of: a) putting feet on the pedals; and b) reciprocating the feet in opposite directions or in the same direction. The feet respectively move in a curved path on a substantial horizontal plane. Therefore, the use's feet reciprocate forward/rearward and split to train user's muscles.

Abstract: A leg exerciser includes a base positioned on the floor, two pedals pivotally connected to the base in a parallel manner, two spring plates supporting the pedals on the floor, each spring plate having a fixed end connected to one pedal, a free end movably supported on the floor and a smoothly arched suspension arm connected between the fixed end and the free end, and two sliding coupling devices coupled between the free ends of the spring plates and the base, each sliding coupling device including a track plate extended from the base along a predetermined path and a roller pivotally connected to the free end of one spring plate and rotatably supported on the track plate.

Abstract: A leg exercise apparatus having a supporting frame, a leg disposition assembly and a connecting panel. The supporting frame is pivotably connected to the leg disposition assembly, and an upper portion of the connecting panel is pivotably connected to the leg disposition assembly on its backside. A positioning bar passes through a lower portion of the connecting panel and is disposed in positioning grooves located on both arms of the supporting frame to secure the connecting panel. An end opening is located at an end of the supporting frame and connects to two tunnel grooves at both arms so the positioning bar can be pushed out through the tunnel grooves and end opening, which leads the leg disposition assembly to collapse into the supporting frame to form a compact and portable leg exercise apparatus.

Abstract: A bench press includes a frame, a first portion of the frame configured to support a resistance load; a bench supported by the frame, the bench configured to provide a user access to the resistance load while the user is supported on the bench in an at least partially supine position; and a pair of movable foot pedals connected to a second portion of the frame and configured so that the user can engage the movable foot pedals while accessing the resistance load.

Abstract: A physical exercise apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a frame, a seat, a pair of movable arms, and a pair of cycling foot pedals. The seat may be supported by the frame and configured to support a user in an at least partially supine position. The pair of movable arms may be movably coupled to a first portion of the frame and coupled with a common, linearly movable resistance load. The first portion of the frame may be stationary with respect to the seat. The pair of cycling foot pedals may be movably coupled to a second portion of the frame and independently movable from the pair of movable arms so that the user can cycle the pair of cycling foot pedals while separately engaging the pair of movable arms.

Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation step and stand system comprising two footplates (left and right) connected to a primary drive motor that cause the footplates to move in a reciprocal motion. The footplates are further connected to corresponding servos, which allow for control of the movement of the footplate with respect to an axis. system comprises an electrical stimulation control unit. The stimulation step and stand system further comprises a control unit that has electrical stimulation leads connected to electrodes that deliver an electrical impulse to a patient's muscles. In a further embodiment, the control unit has one or more wireless stimulators.

Abstract: An exercise machine for strengthening the foot and for treating plantar fasciitis includes a foot pad for receiving a patient's foot and a resistance member associated with the foot pad. As the patient pivots the foot pad on a pivot pin located near the heel section of the foot pad, a resistance is applied to the toe section of the foot pad thereby providing strengthening for the plantar fasciitis band of tissue.

Abstract: This is a unique device for training foot and leg muscles; it consists of a pedal attached to a pedestal. The front end of the pedal is connected to the balance arm by means of a metal rod; the balance arm is mounted to a stand. The balance arm rule is used for the first time to achieve specific pressure on the muscles due to movement of weight on the lever arm. Fixed load in the form of balance weights is used to adjust pressure. The change in pressure is achieved due to movement of balance weights along one lever arm of the balance arm (for example, this could be the right side). The movement of the balance weights on the threaded portion can be used to adjust the pressure on the foot.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, an omni-directional exercise device. The device may include a platform base and resistance bands/tubes coupled to the platform base. The device further includes one or more enclosures coupled to the plurality of resistance bands/tubes. The one or more enclosures are positioned on top of the platform base at a home position. The one or more enclosures are configured to slide on top of or above the platform base in a 360-degree range of motion such that the plurality of resistance bands/tubes provide resistance at any point on the platform base and are configured to return to the home position.

Abstract: An article of athletic equipment for a wearer with a foot and a leg including a knee joint includes an article of footwear operable to secure to the foot. The equipment also includes a knee coupling member that is operable to secure to the leg about the knee joint. The knee coupling member is operable to extend superiorly and inferiorly about the knee joint. Moreover, the equipment includes a biasing member that is coupled to the article of footwear and the knee coupling member. The biasing member biases the article of footwear relative to the knee coupling member to bias the foot toward plantarflexion relative to the leg to increase proprioception of the foot relative to the leg.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rehabilitation exercise aid. The exercise aid includes an actuator for extending from a first body part. An alarm unit can be fastened to a second body part and coupled to the actuator. The alarm unit is configured to generate an alarm when the first body part moves beyond a target relative to the second body part. In one embodiment, the actuator includes an elongate biasing means for biasing the alarm unit toward the first body part.

Abstract: A hand therapy system including a post having an upper end and a lower end, a support base secured to the lower end of the post for supporting the post atop a surface, and a hand exercise housing mounted on the post for moving between the upper and lower ends of the post. The hand exercise housing includes a plurality of first hand tool openings provided on a first side of the hand exercise housing, a plurality of second hand tool openings provided on a second side of the hand exercise housing, a progressive resistance system in communication with each of the first and second hand tool openings, and a plurality of resistance level adjustment elements coupled with the progressive resistance system. Each of the resistance level adjustment elements is associated with one of the first and second hand tool openings for selectively adjusting the resistance level of each of the first and second hand tool openings.

Abstract: An exercise attachment for a shoe includes a platform upon which the shoe rests. A shoe strap is removably connectable to the platform, and is used to hold the shoe in place on the platform. The platform has a rounded pivot member disposed on its bottom surface. The rounded pivot member contacts a support surface, and allows the exercise attachment to pitch, roll, and yaw about the rounded pivot member. The shoe strap is connected to the platform by an anchor member which has an elongated pocket which selectively receives a locking rod.

Abstract: A lower limb bouncing device causes knee bouncing by stimulating the hip joint, or base end of a lower limb, while allowing the lower leg, or terminal end of the lower limb, to relax. The device includes: a flap and a motor coupled to the flap. The flap allows a heel resting surface to swing from the motor. The motor includes: an output axis with an eccentric cam; and a pivotable plate on the eccentric cam. The pivotable plate has an attached pivoting end. The flap is on an enclosure side so that the heel can be placed at a minimum height above the floor when the foot is placed on the floor surface. The flap connects to another end of the pivotable plate allowing swing movement by the pivotable plate pivoting around the attached end in response to rotation of the eccentric cam.

Abstract: An exercise machine for strengthening the foot and for treating plantar fasciitis includes a foot pad for receiving a patient's foot and a resistance member associated with the foot pad. As the patient pivots the foot pad on a pivot pin located near the heel section of the foot pad, a resistance is applied to the toe section of the foot pad thereby providing strengthening for the plantar fasciitis band of tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a leg-stretching exercise apparatus comprising a base, a handle connected to the base about a front vertical member assembly extending from the front thereof, a waist belt extending from a rear vertical member extending from the rear of the base, and a pair of generally horizontal track assemblies extending collinearly from either side of the base. Each track assembly comprises at least one rail pipe extending between a pair of proximal and distal blocks, a foot-supporting platform coupled to the at least one rail pipe such that the platform can slide along the length thereof, and a resilient member connecting the platform to the proximal block.

Abstract: A method is provided for exercising a human appendage that includes placing the appendage in contact with a user interface and placing a force on the user interface where the user interface based on a net user force becomes displace from an unbiased position to a biased position, where the user interface when moving from the unbiased position to the biased position moves about a path defined by a semispherical surface having defined by an origin, a radius and an angle of displacement.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to provide a foot workout, which is attached to a wheelchair in such a way that the apparatus does not touch the floor, and which comprises a case, an attaching device used to attach the case to the wheelchair, and a pair of pedals. The attaching device comprises a rod whose top end attaches to the wheelchair and whose bottom end attaches to the case. The case contains a power source, an electric motor, a gearbox, and a relay system, such that when the patient activates the apparatus, the electric motor runs and turns the relay system to which the said pedals are attached.

Abstract: An exercise machine for strengthening the foot and for treating plantar fasciitis includes a foot pad for receiving a patient's foot and a resistance member associated with the foot pad. As the patient pivots the foot pad on a pivot pin located near the heel section of the foot pad, a resistance is applied to the toe section of the foot pad thereby providing strengthening for the plantar fasciitis band of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rocker boot for stretching or strengthening muscles. The rocker boot may include a base having a arcuate surface and a footrest attached to the base. The footrest may be adjustable to provide one or more different configurations.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, an omni-directional exercise device. The device includes a platform base and resistance bands coupled to the platform base. The device further includes one or more enclosures coupled to the plurality of resistance bands. The one or more enclosures are positioned on top of the platform base at a home position. The one or more enclosures are configured to slide on top of the platform base in a 360-degree range of motion such that the plurality of resistance bands provide resistance at any point on the platform base and are configured to return to the home position.

Abstract: The invention is of an apparatus for enabling a seated user to obtain exercise by moving muscles in their legs and/or feet to move foot pedals that extend from a base up and down in a treading motion. The novelty of this apparatus lies in its construction from tensile material with intrinsic elasticity modulus which causes high yield ratios of over 0.6. The rebound motion of the tensile material allows the unit function as an exercise unit when sitting, including when working at a desk without a negative impact on performance. Two iterations of the same apparatus are described: one where the foot pedals are irremovably part of the base, and one where separate foot pedals are slotted into a base. The latter allows for switching foot pedals to obtain different resistances. The unit can function as a footrest when not used for exercise.

Abstract: An energy conversion system that converts linear kinetic energy to rotational kinetic energy is disclosed. A force is applied to a coil spring, compressing the spring. The spring drives an arm forward as the spring returns to its uncompressed state. The arm, in turn, causes the driving portion of an over-running clutch to rotate forward and drive an output shaft. The linear motion of the arm being driven forward by the spring is converted to rotational kinetic energy in the output shaft. The output shaft may then be connected to an external device to drive that device.

Abstract: An ingenious calf, shin and ankle rehabilitation and exerciser apparatus for engagement with the lower leg muscles and ankle comprising of a rigid sole plate member having a sole plate protective pad and affixed fastening sole straps for securing foot to sole plate member, an attachable fulcrum heel ball member for attaching to the bottom of heel section. Sole plate member is pivotally attached to a rigid cross brace member which is comprised of a fastening shin straps affixed to a shin protective pad member to secure the lower leg to a rigid pivoting back support member that is pivotally engaged to cross brace member. Cross brace engages the toe section of sole plate member via an engaging biasing resistance means that provides posterior and anterior resistance not limited to isotonic and isometric for the flexing of the foot and ankle not limited to dorsi-flexion, plantar-flexion, inversion or eversion.

Abstract: An adjustable spring device for walking and running is attached to user's footwear creating comfortable conditions during the locomotion. In an embodiment, it includes: an upper lever and lower lever locating one above the other, wherein at least one of the levers is made of elastic material, and a support mechanism having a joint shaft that allows the levers to be pivoting. The device includes a first flexible link connecting the front ends of the levers, and a second flexible link connecting the rear ends of the levers. The links can be adjusted to a certain constant length before the deployment of the device. For creating optimal energy exchange conditions between the device and user, and reducing the shock loads on the user's leg joints and spine, the device can be adapted by shifting the support mechanism between the levers and by adjusting the flexible links between the lever ends.

Abstract: A balance board has a top side and an under side. The under side is arranged to be mounted on top of a ball with a user balancing on the top side. The board is shaped to define a generally longitudinal direction and a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal direction. The board is formed from a first top portion defining the topside and having a substantially flat region on its under side and a second lower portion joined to the first top portion and defining a wall at least substantially bounding a portion of the flat region. The distance across the bounded portion in the longitudinal direction of the board is greater than in the transverse direction. With the bounded portion balanced on a ball with a diameter less than the distance across the bounded portion in the transverse direction, the board is enabled to move relative to the ball with at least a degree of spherical rotational freedom and also a degree of translational freedom in directions other than the vertical.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a casual exercise device includes a pedal movably attached to a base by a hinge at the base of the pedal. The base may be configured to lie flat on a floor or the ground, and force may be exerted to elevate the edge of the pedal distal from the hinge, such as by a spring incorporated into the hinge. This force may also resist a user's pushing down on the pedal. A counter may count the number of times the user taps the pedal, where a tap includes the user's pressing the pedal to the base, or within a specified angle or distance of the base, and then allows the pedal to rise again past a predetermined point.

Abstract: A method for compensating functional disabilities of the foot of a wearer including the steps of placing a shoe on a wearer; attaching a first attachment member about a lower leg of the wearer such that the first attachment member has a first connecting member flexibly extending from the first attachment member and directed toward the foot; attaching a second attachment member in engagement with a shoe placed over the wearer's foot such that the second attachment has a second attachment member flexibly extending therefrom and directed toward the lower leg of the wearer. The first and second connecting members are coupled such that the flexible connecting member extends at an acute angle from the lower leg of the wearer at a point above the joint of a leg and foot to a point forward of the leg at the instep of the foot.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for resistance stretching and strengthening of the muscles of the lower leg of a human user. The device and method provide a lever arm for hinging the foot about the ankle joint for providing resistance first against a series of concentric, and preferably but optionally, isometric contractions of the muscles of the lower leg sufficient to fatigue at least one of the muscles, and then for applying force sufficient to oppose and overcome the opposite force of the user to perform an eccentric contraction of the muscles. The device includes an elongated portion that acts as a lever arm for hinging the foot about the ankle joint and a fastening means for securing the foot against the top surface of the elongated portion and allowing for manipulation of the foot to assist in the performance of the various contractions of the muscles of the lower leg.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for strengthening leg muscles having a substantially flat support surface, an external work surface, a front, a back and two flanks, the strengthening device further comprising at least one relief portion proximal to said back and distal from said front.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a housing, a pair of pivoting foot treadles and a pair of reciprocating bellows that support the foot treadles. A sealed air system including a conduit interconnects the bellows and is operable for reciprocating transfer of air from bellow to bellow. Each of the foot treadles is pivotably movable between upper and lower positions, and has a resting position between the upper and lower positions. The resting position of the foot treadles defines a resting position of the bellows while the upper and lower positions of the foot treadles respectively define elongated and compressed positions of the bellows. In use, the elongated and compressed positions of the bellows are each no more than 5 degrees off the center resting position thereby reducing stress on the bellows.

Abstract: A foot pain relief device can advantageously provide multiple angles of inclination, directed pressure against the plantar fascia, as well as ease of manufacturing and assembly. A toe strap, which is fastened around the ankle and the toe(s), ensures that the toes are flexed up. This toe flexing tenses the plantar fascia of the foot. A ball strap can be threaded through a hole in a ball and then operatively coupled with the toe strap. When operatively coupled to the toe strap, the ball strap keeps the ball positioned on the bottom of the foot while allowing ball mobility. The mobility of the ball can provide directed pressure on at least one component of the plantar fascia. Notably, the simultaneous combination of tension to the plantar fascia and directed pressure to the component(s) of the plantar fascia can be particularly effective at relieving foot pain.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, an omni-directional exercise device. The device includes a platform base, and resistance bands coupled to the platform base. The device further includes at least two enclosures coupled to the plurality of resistance bands. The two enclosures are positioned on top of the platform base at a home position. The two enclosures are configured to slide on top of the platform base in a 360-degree range of motion such that the plurality of resistance bands provide resistance at any point on the platform base and are configured to return to the home position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising and rehabilitating muscles, muscle groups, ligaments and soft tissue connecting limbs and limb extremities wherein the limb extremity is suspended by tension means in an environment that stabilizes the limb position while facilitating the movement of the extremity in space. The apparatus includes tension members to develop and provide desired counter forces in opposition to those created by strain of the selected muscles, muscle groups, ligaments and soft tissue.

Abstract: A pedal exercise apparatus (100, 100?, 500, 600) is provided. The apparatus (100, 100?, 500, 600) comprises pedals (112) mounted on crank arms (104, 106, 401, 404). At least one pedal (112) is associated with at least one resilient member (116,117, 410). In use of the apparatus (100, 100?, 500, 600), a pedal (112) can be displaced from a rest position to a work position against a restoring force provided by the resilient member (116,117, 410) and held in the work position while the user performs a pedalling motion, allowing the user to exercise.

Abstract: The shoe accessory includes a platform for supporting a conventional shoe that is bendable in a manner corresponding to bending of a wearer's show during walking, etc. The shoe accessory's base has a convex or other non-planar surface that causes the shoe accessory to be stable in a longitudinal (heel-toe) direction, and unstable in a lateral (medial/lateral) direction. The non-planar surface may be defined by one or more ridge segments on the platform's bottom side. One or more straps are provided to temporarily secure the wearer's conventional shoe to the platform in a non-destructive manner. A generally U-shaped heel retainer may be provided adjacent a rear portion of the platform for receiving the heel of the shoe. The shoe accessory makes a flat-soled shoe laterally unstable while allowing for longitudinal stability and a naturalistic gait, and thus facilitates exercise of leg and foot muscles during normal walking, running, etc.